The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Office of the President of the Philippines, established to promote the socio-economic development of the Southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region. Created under Presidential Decree No. 690 in 1975 and later amended by P.D. 1703 in 1980, SPDA was formed in response to the need for balanced national development, especially in conflict-affected and underserved areas. Its core mission is to implement programs and projects that encourage investments, generate employment, and uplift the lives of people in Mindanao through infrastructure, agribusiness, industrial, and social development initiatives.
The SPDA operates with a vision of building a peaceful, progressive, and self-sustaining Southern Philippines, aligning with the government’s broader agenda for inclusive growth and lasting peace. Knowing about SPDA is essential because it plays a strategic role in supporting development efforts in areas that have long experienced poverty, neglect, and instability. Through its various programs and services, the agency contributes significantly to nation-building, peacebuilding, and regional integration, making it a key driver of equitable development in the Philippines. This article will tell you everything there is to know about SPDA—from its functions to its mandates, operational areas, and key projects that have significantly contributed to regional development.
What is SPDA?
The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) is a GOCC created through Presidential Decree No. 690, dated April 22, 1975. Its creation was aimed at addressing the developmental challenges in Mindanao and enhancing the region’s economic growth. SPDA operates under the supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines and has been given the authority to undertake projects of national importance, including those in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.
In 2006, through Executive Order 560, SPDA was reactivated after a restructuring phase. This move allowed SPDA to become a more efficient instrument in promoting peace and development across Mindanao. Later, Republic Act No. 11054, enacted in 2018, included SPDA as part of the governance structure of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), highlighting its role in the region’s socio-economic framework.
History of SPDA
SPDA’s history dates back to the consolidation of various government agencies in 1975, with the aim of addressing the development challenges faced by Mindanao. Over the years, the agency has been involved in numerous projects aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic growth. Its work has spanned across agricultural, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, with the following significant milestones achieved in promoting development and peace in conflict-affected areas.
- 1980s: SPDA undertook major peace and development projects such as the Vitali Fishpond Project in Zamboanga City, which was pivotal in developing the aquaculture industry in the region.
- 1990s: SPDA expanded its focus to include large-scale agro-industrial ventures, including the development of palm oil plantations in North Cotabato and rubber farming in Sultan Kudarat.
- 2000s: The agency played a central role in peace-building initiatives following the 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). SPDA worked to implement the Economic Catch-Up Plan to help rehabilitate conflict-affected areas.
- 2010s: SPDA continued to drive major projects in infrastructure and social housing. It also began focusing on public-private partnerships as a means of sustaining long-term development.
Mission
Its mission is to be:
“A government enterprise that promotes and enhances balanced growth in Mindanao through economic and developmental initiatives or undertakings.”
Vision
Its official vision statement reads,
“A peaceful and economically-developed Mindanao with empowered communities and enterprises by 2030 and beyond.”
Core Values
The agency operates with the following values at its core:
- Commitment. Responsible with mind and heart in what it is doing, propelled by passion and genuineness.
- Competence. Strive to do the best and be the best by being professional, proactive and entrepreneurial.
- Integrity. Faithfulness to honesty and fairness with the diligent observance of transparency, prudence and trustworthiness.
- Dynamic. Being able to engage in a variety and diversified fields of activities and cultural circumstances through creative, innovative, inclusive, sustainable and adaptable actions and approaches.
Mandates and Key Functions
SPDA’s overarching mission is to foster the economic and social growth of the Southern Philippines, focusing mainly on Mindanao. The corporation is tasked with initiating and managing development projects aimed at promoting sustainable growth, particularly in areas affected by historical challenges. SPDA also invests in ventures that enhance the region’s economic potential and address the diverse needs of its communities.
Specific Mandates
- Development Projects: SPDA undertakes projects related to agriculture, public utilities, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and the utilization of natural resources. These projects are designed to stimulate economic activity and improve the standard of living for people in the region.
- Public-Private Partnerships: SPDA collaborates with both the government and private sector to implement business ventures. These partnerships help leverage resources and expertise from both sectors to ensure the success of various initiatives.
- Peace and Development Initiatives: In line with peace agreements such as the GRP-MNLF 1996 Final Peace Agreement, SPDA also works on projects that support regional peace and development. This includes supporting programs that promote stability and peace in conflict-affected areas.
- Investment in Economic Ventures: SPDA is authorized to invest in different fields that can lead to enhanced economic development. This includes everything from land development and manufacturing to energy and infrastructure projects.
Functions and Powers
SPDA operates with the legal powers of a corporation, giving it the authority to acquire property, enter into joint ventures, issue bonds, and engage in other business activities that contribute to regional development. It can also engage in the right of eminent domain, which allows it to acquire land for development purposes, provided it is done in line with public interests.
Moreover, SPDA is empowered to initiate various social programs, including those aimed at livelihood support for underserved communities. As such, it often works closely with local government units (LGUs) and other agencies to implement its initiatives effectively.
Geographic Scope and Operational Areas
SPDA’s jurisdiction primarily covers the southern Philippines, particularly the entire island of Mindanao, which includes the following regions:
- Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)
- Region X (Northern Mindanao)
- Region XI (Davao Region)
- Region XII (Soccsksargen)
- CARAGA (Caraga Region)
- ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)
These regions encompass diverse populations and landscapes, with each having its own specific development needs. SPDA’s work is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by communities in these areas.
Strategic Approaches to Development
SPDA operates through several strategic approaches to development:
- People-Centered Development: SPDA emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the development process. By engaging local communities, the agency ensures that projects are aligned with the needs and priorities of the people they serve.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): SPDA frequently partners with both private investors and public institutions to maximize resources and expertise. This approach has led to the successful implementation of many projects, including infrastructure developments and industrial ventures.
- Pioneering Projects: SPDA is known for initiating innovative and pioneering projects that set a precedent for future development in Mindanao. These include large-scale agriculture and industrial ventures, as well as community development programs.
- Divestment Strategy: Once a project becomes stable and income-generating, SPDA often transfers ownership and management to the private sector. This approach allows for continued growth while encouraging private investment in the region.
- Social and Economic Innovation: SPDA channels its income and profits back into supporting social causes and developing new solutions to persistent problems in the region. The focus is on long-term, sustainable growth that benefits all sectors of society.
Notable SPDA Projects
SPDA has been involved in various projects aimed at driving economic growth and improving the lives of people in Southern Philippines. Some of its landmark initiatives include:
- Vitali Fishpond Estate (Zamboanga City): A large-scale aquaculture project designed to boost local fish production and improve livelihoods in the area.
- Koronadal Business Center (South Cotabato): A business hub designed to foster economic activity and create jobs in the region.
- Integrated Feedmill in Davao City: A public-private partnership that enhances the agricultural sector by producing animal feeds, supporting local farming communities.
- SPDA Wellsprings Village (Davao City): A housing project aimed at providing affordable living spaces for the region’s low-income population.
- Agro-Industrial and Eco-Parks: SPDA has also initiated agro-industrial projects to promote the development of industries such as palm oil and rubber production in regions like Arakan Valley, North Cotabato.
SPDA and Financial Assistance
SPDA also offers various financial assistance programs to support its projects and initiatives. These programs often involve partnerships with local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. SPDA also facilitates investments in sectors that contribute to the economic development of Southern Philippines.
The agency’s financial assistance programs typically focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and community development. By offering financial resources and support, SPDA helps local businesses and communities thrive while fostering sustainable development in the region.
SPDA’s Commitment to Peace and Stability
One of SPDA’s main goals is to contribute to the peaceful development of Mindanao. The agency actively participates in peace-building efforts and implements projects that help resolve conflicts and foster socio-economic stability. In particular, SPDA has been instrumental in the implementation of the peace agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Video: SPDA Private Partnership Program
The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) is a key government institution dedicated to advancing the socio-economic development of Mindanao and the broader Southern Philippines region. Through its wide-ranging projects in agriculture, infrastructure, land development, and public-private partnerships, SPDA has made significant contributions to the region’s growth. With a focus on peace, stability, and economic prosperity, SPDA remains at the forefront of Mindanao’s development, offering hope and opportunities for its people. To learn more about how SPDA continues to innovate and collaborate with various stakeholders to pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Southern Philippine regions, watch this video from SPDA Special Envoy:
Contact Information
For more information or for any questions regarding the SPDA or its programs and projects, you may reach out to them via the following:
Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA)
- Main Office Address: KM. 12 Catalunan Pequeño, SPDA Compound, Davao-Bukidnon Highway, Davao City, Davao del Sur
- Contact Number: (082) 298-5745 / (082) 298-5756
- Email Address: info@spda.gov.ph/ spda_main@yahoo.com
Manila Liaison Office
- Office Address: Unit 2403, 24th Floor, One San Miguel Avenue Office Condominium, San Miguel Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
- Telefax: (02) 810-8481
- Email Address: info_mlo@spda.gov.ph/ spdamlo2021@gmail.com